Running head: ISLAM 1

Islam

Name

Institution
ISLAM 2

Even though Islam as a religion does not advocate for violence and inhuman acts such as

terrorism, the actions of the few individuals who have subscribed to extremism and radicalization

have tainted the image of the whole religion. Therefore, everyone who has witnessed the acts of

terrorists tends to perceive Islam as violent with its doctrines inclined to make to radicalizing the

members. In other words, to some, there is a thin or no line separating Islam from atrocities such

as terrorism that leads to loss of human life and does not respect the sanctity of life in respect to

non-Muslims. However, according to the study of Islam as religion, there are shocking and at the

same time different revelation as compared to the perception the non-Muslims hold.

Even though some teaching of the Quran in the face value advocate for violence,

extremism and radicalize the believers, the moderate Muslims do not subscribe to such beliefs.

According to them, the tone of violence in the scriptures with the traces of radicalization and

extremism can be interpreted as the individual's battle with self to overcome temptations, defend

the religion and to live according to the doctrines (Winter, 2015). The statement largely

contradicts the acts of terrorism and the process of radicalization. The picture projected by the

radicalized Islam believers also depict Jihad as a war against the non-Muslims therefore, the act

of terrorism is justified in the Quran according to extremists.

Like other worldviews, Islam also faced opposition at its inception. However, it later got

reception especially in the Arab countries (winter, 2015). Since then, it has dramatically been

associated with the Arabian culture, and it also influences the traditions and other practices and

gender roles such as the responsibilities of both male and female in the society. In Arab states,

the constitutions are heavily influenced by the teachings of the Quran and to some extents the

acts that are contrary to the Islam beliefs and practices and punished harshly.
ISLAM 3

According to studies, however, Islamic faith is divided into categories; the Muslims, the

moderates and the radicals though it is disturbing how the same scripture can be interpreted

differently to support evil and at the same time to preach peace and harmony (winter, 2015). On

the other hand, the question's response is likened to the nature of Christianity at some point in the

ancient times when the practices did not reflect the scriptures in the Bible, and the individuals

that opposed such unreasonable acts would even face death. In other words, the inconsistency

gives the nod to the doctrines of secularism that is neutral and at the same time protects both the

believers and the non-believers.

The radical Muslims seek to spread Islam doctrines globally by all means hence they are

capable of applying violence in the form of terrorism to intimidate masses to respect and

subscribe to Islam. On the contrary, the Muslims follow the teaching of the Quran; the doctrines

of the religion apply it in ensuring they bring up a religious family that respects the education of

Allah. In other words, the Muslim are do not conform to violent acts such as terrorism to convert

or earn respect for the religion. Therefore, the difference between the moderate and radical

Muslims arises from the interpretation of the Quran and its application in daily life. For instance,

the radical extremists form the terror group that seeks to commit atrocities to prove the presence

of Islam as a religion and earn respect among the non-Muslims. As a result, the majority of the

non-Muslims end up having a skewed presentation of Islam as a radical and violent religion.
ISLAM 4

References

Winter, C. (2015). The Virtual'Caliphate': Understanding Islamic State's Propaganda Strategy

(Vol. 25). London: Quilliam.